The Cabinet met on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at Command Building I, Government House. Some of the resolutions are as follows;
The Cabinet approved in principle Ministry of Industry’s draft Ministerial Announcement on prohibiting the use of HCFC-141b (Dichloro-1-fluoroethane) for foam manufactures, B.E…., and Draft Ministerial Announcement on prohibiting the use of HCFC-22 (Chlorodifluromethane) for air conditioners manufactures, B.E…, as proposed by Ministry of Industry.
1. Draft Ministerial Announcement on prohibiting the use of HCFC-141b (Dichloro-1-fluoroethane) or any substance containing HCFC-141b (Dichloro-1-fluoroethane) for all kinds of foam manufactures, except spray foam. It will go into effect from July 1, 2017. Hydro-Chloro-FluoRo-Carbons (HCFCs) are known to be responsible for ozone depletion.
2. Draft Ministerial Announcement on prohibiting the use of HCFC-22 (Chlorodifluromethane) for air conditioners manufactures that produce ventilation less than 50,000 BTU/ per hour. It will go into effect after the announcement in the Government Gazette.
The Cabinet approved for Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to implement Electrical System Capacity Development Project in Major Cities (Phase 1) with a total investment of 11,668.56 millions Baht, as proposed by Ministry of Interior. Ministry of Interior (Provincial Electricity Authority) is to proceed in accordance with approvals and suggestions of Office of the National Economics and Social Development Board, Energy Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Finance, and Bureau of Budget.
Ministry of Interior (Provincial Electricity Authority) is to speed up the implementation within designated timeframe, in collaboration with other concerned agencies (local administrations, Provincial Waterworks Authority, TOT Public Company Limited) in a bid to ensure reliability, lessen complications and enhance the safety of electric power to densely populated areas. Ministry of Interior is to oversee and monitor the operation of Provincial Electricity Authority to be in accordance with laws, regulations, and principles the Cabinet has agreed upon. The major cities include Chiang Mai, Nakorn Ratcha Sri Ma, Pattaya, and Hat Yai.
The Cabinet approved proposals made by Ministry of Transport on Agreement and Draft Contract with the Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) for installation, operation and management of the Blue Line electric train system between TaoPoon and Bangsue stations with a total cost of 918,488,046 Baht (incl. VAT).
Ministry of Finance is to seek domestic loans, and expedite construction of the Blue Line (Taopoon- Bangsue) to be able to launch for service in August 2017. This will enhance convenience and efficiency of the connection between the Purple and Blue Line MRT trains.
The Cabinet agreed in principle for Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through Tourism Authority of Thailand, to provide financial support (a total of 4,100,000 US dollars) for the implementation of the Michelin Guide Thailand. Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through Tourism Authority of Thailand, is to take into consideration opinions of the Cabinet Secretariat to proceed as follows:
1. Negotiation with Michelin Siam Company Limited should clearly specify implementation in other major provinces aside from Bangkok in order to be in line with the government’s policy on tourism promotion of major and subsidiary cities.
2. The Ministry is to monitor and evaluate project achievements on an annual basis, and make report to the Cabinet. The contract should specify that TAT holds the rights to prematurely terminate the implementation without any liability should annual performance evaluation not meet conditions stipulated in the contract.
The Cabinet approved proposals made by Ministry of Foreign Affairs as follows:
1. Approved the extension of Agreement between the governments of Thailand and United States of America on radio broadcasting for the Voice of Free Asia channel (through the Exchange of Notes between Thailand and United States of America)
2. Agreed on draft Exchange of Notes, and authorized Minister of Foreign Affairs to endorse the aforementioned document
3. Should there be any amendment in the draft Exchange of Notes, if not affecting the gist of the document, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to proceed without submitting to the cabinet for further consideration.
The Agreement between the governments of Thailand and United States of America on radio broadcasting for the Voice of Free Asia channel will be extended until September 30, 2023. The purpose of the agreement is to promote the exchange and publication of accurate news through radio, known as Saranrom Radio.
The Cabinet approved proposals made by Ministry of Labor as follows:
1. Agreed on Draft Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Bhutan on cooperation in labor, employment and human resource development
2. Minister of Labor is authorized as signatory of the Draft MOU on behalf of Thailand
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to issue Full Powers to Minister of Labor.
4. Should there be any amendment in the draft MOU, if not affecting the gist of the document or against the benefit of Thailand or against principles the Cabinet has agreed upon, Ministry of Labor is to proceed and later inform the cabinet.
The Thai Ministry of Labor and the Bhutanese Ministry of Labor and Human Resources will be responsible for cooperation on information sharing in labor protection, capacity training for staff personnel, human resource management, and illegal labor prevention. The MOU will also include enhanced transparency measures and those relating to labor recruitment efficiency.
--Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) February 14, 2017 --